Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

21 Jan 2014

Help Schemes for Low-wage Workers

The government has enhanced the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme, raising the income cap to $1,900, increasing the maximum payout to $3,500, and boosting the cash component to 40% to better support low-wage workers with retirement and immediate expenses.
Initiatives like the WorkRight programme, sector-specific criteria in cleaning, and fair employment practices through TAFEP are underway to ensure workers receive CPF benefits and improve employment terms.
The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) has been expanded, removing the age floor to allow all eligible family members in lower- and middle-income households to access subsidised medical and dental care.
The government is considering a consolidated statement to inform workers of their total annual benefits from various schemes and to include information on upgrading and training opportunities.
Assistance to low-wage workers extends beyond wages to include housing, healthcare, and education, with ongoing reviews to enhance support as part of a whole-of-government effort.

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21 Jan 2014

Awareness of MediFund

Baey Yam Keng asked how polyclinics and government hospitals raise awareness of MediFund among patients, noting that some families struggle with medical bills despite existing subsidies and coverage.
The Parliamentary Secretary explained that MediFund, established in 1993, has expanded its scope and increased annual assistance to nearly $100 million, with information disseminated through brochures and encouragement for patients to seek help from medical social workers or staff.
Baey Yam Keng highlighted cases where patients resort to selling flats or reducing medication due to unawareness of MediFund, proposing SOPs like leaflets at admission and multilingual notices at cashiers.
The Parliamentary Secretary acknowledged the suggestions and shared that MediFund assistance grew by 12.2% in FY2012, urging lawmakers to help outreach and report difficulties for further assistance.
Chia Shi-Lu echoed concerns about awareness and suggested a campaign or programme to publicise financial assistance avenues, with the Parliamentary Secretary agreeing to take the feedback to the Ministry.

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20 Jan 2014

Waiting Time for Placement for Subsidised Stay in Nursing Homes

The mean waiting time for a subsidised nursing home bed is about four months, with priority given to seniors based on their care needs.
Singapore has over 60 nursing homes providing approximately 9,800 beds for the elderly with high care needs.
The government is ramping up capacity, adding nearly 1,000 beds in 2013 and planning an additional 3,500 by 2016 to reach 15,600 beds by 2020.
The expansion involves developing new nursing homes and on-site expansion of existing facilities to address the needs of Singapore's ageing population.

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20 Jan 2014

Waiting Time for Cancer Patients at Public Hospitals and National Cancer Centre

The Minister for Health reported that cancer patients seeking specialist outpatient care at public hospitals and the National Cancer Centre were seen within a median waiting time of eight days or less between September and November 2013.
The waiting times covered specialties including Medical Oncology, Radiotherapy, and Surgical Oncology, based on data from the specified period.
The response included a reference to a table on page 154 of the debate transcript for detailed information, though the table content is not provided in the speech text.

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20 Jan 2014

Access by Non-Singaporeans to Blood Bank and Organs Donated by Singaporeans under HOTA

Mrs Lina Chiam asked whether non-Singaporeans can access Singapore's blood bank and organs donated by Singaporeans under the Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA).
HOTA allows Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents to donate organs for transplantation, but if no suitable local recipient is found, organs may be offered to foreign patients to prevent wastage, as seen with six foreign cornea recipients from 2004 to 2013.
The National Blood Programme ensures all patients in Singapore, regardless of nationality, have access to a safe blood supply, with transfusions prioritised based on clinical need decided by physicians.
Blood is collected voluntarily from Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, and non-residents through partnerships between the Health Sciences Authority and Singapore Red Cross to meet transfusion needs safely and adequately.

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20 Jan 2014

Affordability of Nursing Homes

Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Ministry of Health (MOH) about plans to increase cost norms for nursing homes to improve affordability.
MOH highlighted recent measures such as increased funding rates, expanded subsidies for middle-income households, and GST absorption for subsidised patients.
The Community Silver Trust was expanded to cover long-term care providers' operating expenses, helping nursing homes defray costs.
MOH committed to continuous reviews of funding rates to ensure nursing home care remains affordable and cost-effective.
The government's actions aim to balance affordability while maintaining sustainable healthcare financing.

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20 Jan 2014

Heart Attacks at Workplaces

Mary Liew inquired about the number of workplace cardiac arrests over five years and whether mandating AEDs and training under the Workplace Safety and Health Act would be considered.
Tan Chuan-Jin reported an average of 260 medical condition cases annually at workplaces, including 25 fatal cardiovascular-related cases in recent years, with SCDF responding to about 74 work-related emergencies per year.
The Workplace Safety and Health Act requires employers to have emergency procedures and first-aiders trained in CPR and AED use, with over 5,400 workers trained to date.
Many employers already provide AEDs voluntarily, with over 1,000 AEDs installed at workplaces, and the Ministry will continue reviewing emergency measures.
The Singapore Heart Foundation and National Resuscitation Council are actively promoting AED use across workplaces in Singapore.

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20 Jan 2014

Effectiveness of Anti-smoking Programmes

The number of underage youths caught buying tobacco and the number of underage smoking offences have both decreased compared to 2010-2011, even with increased enforcement.
Smoking cessation programmes like the I Quit challenge reached over 13,200 smokers in 2012, with quit rates ranging from 10% to 40%, which aligns with international standards.
The government emphasises a multi-pronged approach—including legislation, taxation, education, and cessation support—to de-normalise tobacco use and prevent youth smoking initiation.

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20 Jan 2014

Environmental Public Health (Amendment) Bill

The Minister for the Environment and Water Resources presented the Environmental Public Health (Amendment) Bill to amend the Environmental Public Health Act and relatedly the National Environment Agency Act.
The bill was read for the first time and scheduled for a second reading at the next available parliamentary sitting.
The amendments aim to update environmental public health regulations and align with the National Environment Agency's operational framework.
The debate focuses on legislative improvements to enhance public health standards and environmental management in Singapore.
The bill seeks to modernize existing laws to address current and emerging public health challenges.

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20 Jan 2014

Affordable Premiums for MediShield Plans

Zainal Sapari asked about the number of seniors who downgraded from Integrated Shield plans to Basic MediShield, a review of Medisave withdrawal caps to fully cover Integrated Shield premiums, and a cap on premiums for the lowest-tier Integrated plan.
Dr Amy Khor responded that about 1,400 and 1,900 seniors above 65 downgraded in 2011 and 2012 respectively, representing around 2% of such policyholders annually.
She noted that Medisave is designed for basic healthcare costs, with withdrawal limits set to fully cover Basic MediShield premiums, and that limits were increased by $200 in 2013 to help cover part of Integrated Shield premiums.
The Ministry will continue ensuring Basic MediShield affordability and, with MediShield Life, review Integrated Shield plans and consult the public and stakeholders for potential improvements.

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20 Jan 2014

Severe Bed Crunch at Hospitals

The Minister highlighted that high bed occupancy is driven by an ageing population, with older patients staying longer in hospitals due to complex care needs and weaker family support, while short-term measures include facilitating timely discharge, adding beds, and collaborating with private hospitals.
Discussions emphasized the need for a holistic approach beyond building more hospitals, focusing on transforming the care model, strengthening primary and community care, and ensuring patients are treated in the right setting to reduce unnecessary acute admissions.
Specific measures to support the elderly and improve discharge outcomes include expanding home nursing, day-care centres, and financial reviews to make home care more affordable, as well as exploring collaborations with the private sector and considering acceleration of new hospital projects like Sengkang General Hospital.

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12 Nov 2013

Easing the Cost of Healthcare for Singaporeans

Gerald Giam highlighted that high out-of-pocket medical costs worry many Singaporeans, especially the elderly, and proposed premium subsidies for vulnerable groups, an annual cap on out-of-pocket payments, and better use of technology to improve care coordination.
Gan Kim Yong acknowledged rising healthcare costs and the need for Government support, outlining a multi-pronged approach including subsidies, risk-pooling through MediShield Life, and a Pioneer Generation Package to help seniors with premiums.
The Minister emphasized balancing co-payments to prevent over-consumption while ensuring affordability, and committed to increasing the Government’s share of healthcare costs while managing overall expenditure sustainably.
Both speakers agreed on the need to reform healthcare financing, with Giam calling for greater Government intervention and risk-sharing, and Gan outlining current and future measures to strengthen the system.
The debate concluded with Parliament agreeing to adjourn, reflecting ongoing efforts to ease healthcare costs for Singaporeans.

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12 Nov 2013

Review of Data by Ranbaxy Laboratories

Sylvia Lim questioned the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) on whether it reviewed all data from Ranbaxy Laboratories after the company was found guilty of data fraud by the US FDA in 2013.
The Senior Minister of State for Health responded that HSA reviewed all submitted data and uses a two-pronged approach of pre-market review and post-market surveillance to ensure drug safety, quality, and efficacy.
Regarding Ranbaxy, HSA participated in joint audits, confirmed compliance after corrective actions, and continues regular testing and monitoring of its products in Singapore with no safety issues detected to date.

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12 Nov 2013

Accreditation under Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative

The Singapore government, through the Health Promotion Board and the Association for Breastfeeding Advocacy, is implementing the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative across five hospitals that account for 80% of births, with two hospitals already certified.
To promote breastfeeding, the government supports workplace initiatives, produces educational materials, and enforces a Code of Ethics through the Sale of Infant Foods Ethics Committee to regulate infant formula marketing, with compliance monitored via warnings rather than penalties.
Breastfeeding rates have improved over the past decade, but exclusive breastfeeding at six months remains low, and the government plans to continue monitoring through national surveys and enhance community support, including exploring trained peer breastfeeding counsellors.

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12 Nov 2013

Late-term Abortions

In 2012, there were 990 second-trimester abortions out of a total of 10,624, with less than 4% cited for medical reasons.
The number of abortions for girls under 16 has declined from 109 in 1999 to 51 in 2012, and the Termination of Pregnancy Act already has safeguards to prevent Singapore from becoming a regional abortion hub.
The Ministry is reviewing mandatory pre-abortion counselling criteria and plans to engage stakeholders and the public once ready.
Pre-abortion counselling includes information on alternatives like adoption, but only about 4% of women reconsider their decision after counselling.

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11 Nov 2013

Electronic Cigarettes to Fight against Tobacco Smoking

Dr Lam Pin Min proposed electronic cigarettes as a potential tool to combat tobacco smoking, prompting Health Minister Gan Kim Yong to respond on the government’s stance.
Gan Kim Yong highlighted that e-cigarettes have not been proven effective for smoking cessation and may expose users to harmful substances, with local studies showing inconsistent nicotine levels.
He noted international concerns, including WHO’s advice against e-cigarette use until proven safe and effective, and the UK’s plan to regulate them as medicines.
MOH will continue prohibiting e-cigarette import, distribution, and sale in Singapore due to insufficient evidence on safety and efficacy, encouraging smokers to use proven cessation methods.
The ministry will monitor emerging tobacco products and align policies with international guidelines to strengthen tobacco control.

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11 Nov 2013

Review of ElderShield

Ms Tan Su Shan questioned if ElderShield's adequacy would be reviewed alongside the new MediShield Life terms.
The Ministry of Health stated it regularly reviews long-term care insurance like ElderShield to meet Singaporeans' needs.
ElderShield currently provides up to $400 monthly for six years for severe old-age disability.
MOH is reviewing ElderShield's design parameters to consider long-term care needs and premium impacts.
The review aims to support higher benefits while ensuring the scheme remains sustainable.

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11 Nov 2013

Payment Arrears by Patients in Public Healthcare Sector

Over 95% of patients in public hospitals settle their bills within two months, with total arrears exceeding two months amounting to about 2.5% of operating expenses.
A small portion of arrears, around 1% of operating expenses, becomes bad debt due to uncontactable patients or disputes, but the trend has remained stable over the last five years.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that arrears do not indicate increasing unaffordability, and hospitals offer financial assistance options like instalment plans or MediFund support for patients facing difficulties.

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11 Nov 2013

Social Assistance and Affordability for Singaporeans

Intan Azura Mokhtar highlighted the ongoing challenges for vulnerable Singaporeans due to rising costs and slower wage growth, proposing enhancements like streamlining ComCare, extending MediSave flexibility for preventive and antenatal care, and ensuring MediShield Life affordability through subsidies or higher withdrawal limits.
She emphasized the need for better inter-ministry coordination, timely assistance, and accessibility to social services, while also calling on the community to actively support the vulnerable.
Minister Chan Chun Sing acknowledged the issues and outlined government strategies, including expanding healthcare schemes, improving case management through Social Service Offices, and strengthening training for frontline officers to ensure flexible, targeted, and timely support.
The Minister affirmed the government's commitment to partnering with the community to care for the elderly and vulnerable, ensuring dignity and assurance for all Singaporeans.

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21 Oct 2013

CPF Savings of Self-employed Persons

Acting Minister Tan Chuan-Jin highlighted that self-employed persons (SEPs) are required to contribute to their MediSave Accounts, with median balances increasing steadily from $12,000 in 2008 to $18,000 in 2012.
The Drive and Save Scheme for taxi drivers, offering dollar-for-dollar matching from companies, has seen success with 17,000 drivers benefiting from $5.9 million in co-contributions between 2011 and 2012, and average annual contributions rising from $660 to $940.
The government encourages industry-led initiatives and provides support through measures like Workfare Income Supplement and MediSave top-ups, with WIS payouts increased in 2013 and higher contribution rates for low-income SEPs from 2014.
The Minister assured that the government will ensure affordability of MediShield Life premiums for lower-income Singaporeans, while emphasizing personal responsibility for SEPs to save for healthcare needs.

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